The Perception & Action Podcast

Simon Schröttle, a soccer coach and author of "Revolution in Soccer: The Perfect Practice," dives into the transformative constraints-led approach in coaching. He discusses the importance of adapting practices to meet player needs and highlights the effectiveness of small-sided games. Simon also addresses the resistance coaches may face from traditional methods, emphasizing the need for clear communication. His engaging techniques foster player autonomy, encouraging collaboration and self-expression, ultimately reshaping the youth soccer landscape.

Andrew Wilson, an expert in ecological psychology, and Marianne Davies, a scholar contributing to the discourse on perception, discuss chapters 5 and 6 from Michael Turvey’s insightful book. They delve into the ecological complexities of perception, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans and nature. The conversation critiques traditional cognitive models while exploring the symbol grounding problem and the implications of Cartesian dualism on modern psychology. They advocate for a fresh perspective that integrates sensory modalities and evolutionary adaptations.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Wilson, an expert in ecological psychology, dives deep into Michael Turvey's insights on perception. They explore how perception isn't just passive reception but an active skill vital for engaging with the environment. The conversation covers the complexities of locomotion on slippery surfaces, the impact of affordances in learning, and critiques of traditional cognitive models. They also highlight the relevance of direct perception, the intertwining of perception and action, and how these ideas play out in real-world applications like sports.

Discover innovative ways to assess athletic progress through the ecological approach. Explore the Method of Progressive Constraints, designed to effectively evaluate performance and enhance skill acquisition. Learn how this method can revolutionize training by providing clear insights into an athlete's development. Get ready to rethink how you measure success in sports!

In this discussion, Andrew Wilson, a researcher in ecological psychology, highlights Michael Turvey's groundbreaking concepts from his book on perception. They dive into ecological psychology, arguing for a holistic understanding of systems over traditional cognitive approaches. Wilson critiques classical dualism and the limitations of Newtonian mechanics while advocating for an observer-centric view of perception. The conversation emphasizes intentionality in behavior and the complexities of perception, setting the stage for future explorations in this fascinating field.

Dive into the debate on balance bikes versus traditional bikes with training wheels! Discover how balance bikes improve postural control, facilitating better skill acquisition. The discussion highlights the transition from rigid to flexible movement, enhancing children's cycling abilities. Unpack recent research that shows how these bikes can lead to a more effective learning process for young riders.

Discover the intriguing link between variability in practice and the education of attention. Learn how adapting practice conditions can enhance decision-making in dynamic tasks, like driving and flying. Explore research findings that highlight the advantages of varied practice over constrained scenarios, improving skill transfer to real-world applications. The discussion dives into how effective practice environments can ultimately lead to better performance and safer actions in complex situations.

Dive into the fascinating world of athletic training with a new study on powerlifters. The discussion centers on the effectiveness of specific performance targets versus effort-based goals. Discover how precise velocity targets can enhance lifting performance and possibly reduce the risk of injuries. The debate raises intriguing questions about how athletes might optimize their training practices for better results. It’s a compelling look at the intersection of psychology and physical prowess!

Can fluctuations in performance data reveal the risk of sports injuries? This discussion delves into a novel approach to predicting injuries in youth soccer players. By examining psychological and physiological indicators, the researchers suggest that certain transition points can serve as early warning signs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of further research to enhance this predictive model and ensure athlete safety.

Discover the fascinating world of motor learning through the lens of practice variability. Explore how varying situations and scheduling can significantly enhance skill acquisition, with practical examples like tennis serving. Learn why beginners benefit from lower variability, emphasizing structured approaches to boost their learning effectiveness. Dive deep into the impact of initial learner variability and when to introduce practice changes for optimal skill development.